Woodpeckers in Illinois

The abundance of wetlands, plains, farmlands, woodlands, and forests makes Illinois a suitable place for woodpeckers to thrive. No wonder the state is home to as many as twelve species of woodpeckers. Some are migratory, including northern flickers, red-headed woodpeckers, and yellow-bellied sapsuckers, while others are year-round residents. 

The largest woodpecker in the state, the pileated woodpecker (17.5 inches), is more common in southern Illinois and rare in the northern part of the state. Central Illinois, on the other hand, is home to the red-bellied woodpecker. The black and white downy woodpecker is the smallest and most common, measuring around 6.1 inches.